PHIL Parkinson cannot wait to take his in-form Wanderers into hostile surroundings at his former club Bradford City tomorrow.

Buoyed by back-to-back victories over Walsall and Rochdale, the Whites boss anticipates an intimidating atmosphere at Valley Parade, where he spent nearly five years in charge before leaving for Bolton last summer.

More than 2,250 Wanderers supporters have bought tickets already – adding to a big match feel between two of League One’s promotion heavyweights.

“I honestly can’t wait for the game,” Parkinson told The Bolton News. “We’ll go to Bradford and we know it will be full-on. There will be 20-odd thousand and the fans will be baying for blood.

“I am really looking forward to it. The lads are itching for it too because we’ve had two good home wins and we’re bubbling with confidence.

“if we can show that same spirit and determination as we showed against Rochdale, hopefully with a bit more quality on the ball, as we did in the Walsall game, then we will be fine.”

A midweek win meant Wanderers gobbled up some ground on the top two – Sheffield United and Scunthorpe United – who meet each other tomorrow.

But the Whites have got problems to manage on a potentially pivotal weekend in the promotion battle, as skipper Jay Spearing is suspended and left-back Andy Taylor is suffering from a hamstring problem.

New signing Reece Wabara is not likely to feature – and could turn out for the development squad against Barnsley on Monday night.

Parkinson has no fear making changes to his side, however, with the manager impressed by the attitude shown on the training ground.

“I am really enjoying working with this group of lads,” he said. “Yes, we have picked up a few injuries but that is part and parcel of football. It happens. We have got players ready to come in and when we make changes I quite enjoy watching people train so hard and wait patiently for their opportunity, then take it.”